Beveled Glass Souvenir Casket, Two Views of Blankenberghe, c.1905
A French beveled-glass souvenir casket in gilt-brass mounts, made around 1900 to 1910 as a keepsake of Blankenberghe, the Belgian North Sea resort. It is a larger example than most, and unusually it carries two separate views of the town rather than one.
The thick beveled glass panels are set in a gilt-brass frame with a crimped gallery running every edge, four cast scroll-and-paw feet, a hinged lid with a front push clasp, and a bail handle over the top. Two of the panels hold albumen photographic views behind the glass: one captioned Blankenberghe, showing the beach with its bathing tents, deck chairs and wheeled bathing carts, the other Blankenberghe, L'Estacade, showing the timber pier with a sailing smack alongside. Over both prints lie fine slivers of iridescent mother-of-pearl, the inlay that catches the light as the box is turned. Photographic souvenir caskets with this iridescent work are less common than the painted and printed versions that make up most of the trade.
Inside is a ruched pink silk pincushion in the base and a cream silk lining to the lid, the casket built to sit on a dressing table and hold rings or small jewellery.
Condition is very good for age. The beveled glass is all present and intact, with light cloudiness and fine surface scratches consistent with use. The gilding shows honest overall wear and rubbing across the mounts and feet. The hinge and clasp both work, and the lid closes securely. The four feet are solid. The bail handle appears original but is not certain. No box or papers.
Blankenberghe grew into one of the busiest Belgian seaside resorts in the years before the First World War, and its estacade and beach were photographed and sold to visitors on caskets, boxes and cards exactly like this one.
